Research Master’s Study

What is a research Master’s?

Research Master’s courses are advanced postgraduate research degrees designed to further your knowledge of a specific subject. Instead of carrying out exams and coursework as part of course modules, you’ll spend your time working independently on a research project, dissertation, or thesis. 

Centred around your own interests, they offer the scope to study topics that may not be available as a taught Master’s course. They provide you with the opportunity to make an original contribution to your field. 

Types of courses 

Research Master’s are usually studied full time over 12 months. Some courses also offer flexible and part-time study options. 

The titles of research Masters' awards vary to reflect the subject area studied. Awards available include: 

• MPhil – Master of Philosophy.  This award is available in all subject areas. You'll receive research training and undertake original research. This leads to the completion of a 40,000-50,000-word thesis. 
• MRes – Master of Research.  Available in various subject areas. This award combines taught modules, research training and a dissertation. 
• LLM (by research) – Master of Law.  The LLM (by research) provides an excellent foundation for a PhD or for a career in the legal profession. You'll receive research training and undertake original research. This leads to the completion of a 50,000-word dissertation. 
• MLitt – Master of Letters.  Available for arts programmes, this award combines taught modules with research training and assignments. You'll write either a dissertation of 16,000-24,000 words, or a series of research assignments. 

Why study a research Master’s at Newcastle University? 

With our postgraduate research (PGR) courses, you can complete a focused and original piece of research. You'll do this without the time commitment required for a Doctoral award. It is therefore good preparation for those who wish to study a Doctoral award after your Master’s. 

Newcastle University is recognised as 129th in the QS World University Rankings 2025. We have over 100 research courses to choose from, allowing you to follow your passion in a specific research field.